Apparatus and methods for regulating flow from a geological formation

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for regulating flow from a geological formation, and associated components thereof. In one implementation, an apparatus for regulating a multi-phase fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geological formation includes a conduit. The conduit includes an outer wall, a primary flow path for a fluid stream, and a first restriction having a throat portion. A first return path includes a return channel, and the return channel is fluidly connected to the primary flow path through a return inlet and a return outlet. The apparatus includes a gas siphon port formed in the outer wall of the conduit, and a gas siphon path extending from the conduit. The gas siphon path is fluidly connected to the gas siphon port.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/678,925, filed Nov. 8, 2019, which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for regulating flow froma geological formation.

Description of the Related Art

Oil and gas wells produce multi-phase fluid flow from subterraneanformations, which may include gases, liquids, and/or solids. Theprevalence of gas may impede production flow rates and/or hinderperformance of production equipment. For example, a multi-phase fluidmay have a high gas volume fraction that impedes production flow ratesby causing a pump to gas lock. Gas may also build up and/or form pocketsin regions of production equipment that impede production flow ratesand/or hinder performance of production equipment.

Therefore, there is a need for apparatus for regulating flow from ageological formation to reduce a gas volume fraction and/or tofacilitate reduction of gas build up and/or gas pockets formed inproduction equipment.

SUMMARY

Implementations of the present disclosure relate to apparatus andmethods for regulating flow from a geological formation, and associatedcomponents thereof.

In one implementation, an apparatus for regulating a multi-phase fluidstream flowing from a subterranean geological formation includes aconduit. The conduit includes an outer wall, a primary flow path for afluid stream, and a first restriction having a throat portion. Theapparatus includes a first return path having a return inlet and areturn outlet positioned upstream of the return inlet. The return outletis disposed within the first restriction at the throat portion. Thefirst return path includes a return channel, and the return channel isfluidly connected to the primary flow path through the return inlet andthe return outlet. The apparatus includes a gas siphon port formed inthe outer wall of the conduit, and a gas siphon path extending from theconduit. The gas siphon path is fluidly connected to the gas siphonport.

In one implementation, an apparatus for regulating a multi-phase fluidstream flowing from a subterranean geological formation includes aconduit. The conduit includes an outer wall, a primary flow path for afluid stream, a centerline axis, and a first restriction having a throatportion. The centerline axis defines a first reference plane thatprojects radially from the centerline axis. The apparatus includes afirst return path. The first return path includes a return inlet, and areturn outlet positioned upstream of the return inlet and disposedwithin the first restriction at the throat portion. The return outletincludes one or more ports disposed at a first angle relative to thefirst reference plane of the conduit. The first return path includes areturn channel, and the return channel is fluidly connected to theprimary flow path through the return inlet and the return outlet.

In one implementation, an apparatus for regulating a multi-phase fluidstream flowing from a subterranean geological formation includes aconduit. The conduit includes an outer wall, a primary flow path for afluid stream, a centerline axis, and a first restriction having a throatportion. The apparatus includes a first return path. The first returnpath includes a return inlet, and a return outlet positioned upstream ofthe return inlet and disposed within the first restriction at the throatportion. The first return path includes a return channel, and the returnchannel is fluidly connected to the primary flow path through the returninlet and the return outlet. The apparatus includes a diverterpositioned in the primary flow path and upstream of the return inlet todirect at least a portion of the fluid stream radially outward relativeto the centerline axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the disclosurecan be understood in detail, a more particular description of thedisclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate onlytypical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to otherequally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a regulator apparatus forregulating a multi-phase fluid stream flowing from a subterraneangeological formation, according to one implementation.

FIG. 1B illustrates an enlarged schematic view of a portion of theregulator apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1A, according to oneimplementation.

FIG. 1C illustrates an enlarged schematic view of a portion of theregulator apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1A, according to oneimplementation.

FIG. 1D illustrates a schematic cross sectional view, taken along thefirst reference plane, of the regulator apparatus illustrated in FIG.1B, according to one implementation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a port, takenalong section line 2-2, illustrated in FIG. 1B, according to oneimplementation.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a system for regulating amulti-phase fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geologicalformation, according to one implementation.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in oneimplementation may be beneficially utilized on other implementationswithout specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to apparatus and methods forregulating flow from a geological formation, and associated componentsthereof.

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a regulator apparatus 100 forregulating a multi-phase fluid stream flowing from a subterraneangeological formation, according to one implementation. The regulatorapparatus 100 includes a conduit 101, such as piping or tubing. Theconduit 101 includes an outer wall 132 and a primary flow path 133 forflowing a fluid stream 134 therethrough. The fluid stream 134 ismulti-phase and has two or more of liquids, gases, and/or solids.

The regulator apparatus 100 includes an upstream end portion 102 and adownstream end portion 103 adapted to permit attachment (e.g., bythreaded attachment) to other equipment, such as production equipment.The conduit 101 includes a first restriction 110 having a throat portion111. The first restriction 110 restricts the primary flow path 133. Inone example, the first restriction 110 is a nozzle, such as a Venturinozzle or a convergent-divergent nozzle. The first restriction 110 maybe an orifice plate, or can be configured to telescope into a bodyassembly with a spring counter balance used to maintain a regulatedpressure drop and velocity regulation.

The first restriction 110 includes a converging portion 135 and adiverging portion 136 disposed downstream from the converging portion135. The throat portion 111 is disposed between the converging portion135 and the diverging portion 136. The conduit 101 includes a firstreturn path 120. The first return path includes a return inlet 121positioned downstream of the first restriction 110, and a return outlet122 positioned upstream of the return inlet 121 of the first return path120. The first return path 120 includes a return channel 137, such as anannular return channel, that is fluidly connected to the primary flowpath 133 through the return inlet 121 and the return outlet 122.

The first restriction 110 and the first return path 120 are sized andconfigured to permit at least a portion of the fluid stream 134, such asa gas portion, to flow from the return inlet 121 to the return outlet122 of the first return path 120. When the fluid stream 134 flowsthrough the first restriction 110, a low pressure zone is generated,relative to the pressure of the fluid stream 134 upstream of the throatportion 111, and downstream of the throat portion 111. The low pressurezone is located at or near the throat portion 111 of the firstrestriction 110. In one example, the return outlet 122 of the firstreturn path 120 is positioned at or near the throat portion 111 of thefirst restriction 110. As the fluid stream 134 flows through theregulator apparatus 100, the low pressure zone creates a pressuredifferential between the fluid stream 134 at the return inlet 121 of thereturn path 120 and the fluid stream 134 at the return outlet 122 of thefirst return path 120 so as to cause at least a portion of the fluidstream 134 to flow from the return inlet 121 to the return outlet 122 ofthe first return path 120, and into the low pressure zone at or near thethroat portion 111 of the first restriction 110.

The first restriction 110 can compress a gas portion of the fluid stream134 as it flows through the low pressure zone produced at or near thethroat portion 111 of the first restriction 110. The velocity of thefluid stream 134 can be at its highest in the regulator apparatus 100 atthe low pressure zone thereby producing a mixing region within theregulator apparatus 100 where the portion of the fluid stream 134flowing through the first return path 120 enters the low pressure zoneand mixes with portions of the fluid stream 134 flowing through thefirst restriction 110. When the portion of the fluid stream 134 flowingthrough the first return path 120 has a lower gas volume fraction thanthat of the fluid stream 134 entering the first restriction 110, the gasvolume fraction of the fluid stream 134 flowing from the regulatorapparatus 100 is reduced as compared to a gas volume fraction of thefluid stream 134 upstream of the first restriction 110. For example,slug flow can be reduced. In this manner, the gas volume fraction of thefluid stream 134 flowing from the regulator apparatus 100 is reduced toan amount that prevents or reduces the probability that a pumppositioned downstream of the regulator apparatus 100 will gas lock. Inone example, the gas volume fraction of the fluid stream 134 flowingdownstream of the regulator apparatus 100 is less than or equal to about0.40, such as less than or equal to about 0.30. After flowing throughthe regulator apparatus 100, the fluid stream 134 flows towards a pump190, such as an electric submersible pump (ESP) and/or a rod pump. Thefluid stream 134 may flow past other equipment prior to reaching thepump 190.

The regulator apparatus 100 can also include one or more additionalreturn paths, which can be sized, configured, and operated in the sameor similar fashion as the first return path 120 described above. The oneor more additional return paths can include one or more of the sameaspects, components, features, and/or properties as the first returnpath 120. In one example, the conduit 101 of the regulator apparatus 100includes at least a second return path including a return inletpositioned downstream of the first restriction 110, and a return outletpositioned upstream of the return inlet of the second return path (e.g.,at or near the throat portion 111 of the first restriction 110).

The regulator apparatus 100 can also include one or more additionalrestrictions (one additional restriction is shown in FIG. 1A), which canbe sized, configured, and operated in the same or similar fashion as thefirst restriction 110 described above. The one or more additionalrestrictions can include one or more of the same aspects, components,features, and/or properties as the first restriction 110. For example,the conduit 101 can include at least a second restriction 1100positioned downstream of the first restriction 110. The conduit 101 canalso include at least a second return path 1200 including a return inlet1210 positioned downstream of the second restriction 1100, and a returnoutlet 1220 positioned upstream of the return inlet 1210 of the secondreturn path. For example, the return outlet 1220 of the second returnpath 1200 can be positioned at or near, either the throat portion 111 ofthe first restriction 110 or a throat portion 1110 of the secondrestriction 1100, so as to cause a portion of the fluid stream 134 toflow from the return inlet 1210 to the return outlet 1220 of the secondreturn path 1200.

The conduit 101 can include additional diverters, such as a seconddiverter positioned downstream from the second restriction 1100 andupstream from the return inlet 1210 of the second return path 1200,and/or a second gas siphon path and a second gas siphon port positioneddownstream from the return inlet 1210. The second diverter, second gassiphon path, and second gas siphon port can include one or more of thesame aspects, components, features, and/or properties as the diverter141, the gas siphon path 139, and the gas siphon port 138, respectively.The return inlet 1210 and the return outlet 1220 of the second returnpath 1200 can include one or more of the same aspects, components,features, and/or properties as the return inlet 121 and the returnoutlet 122 of the first return path 120, respectively.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, thefirst restriction 110 of the regulator apparatus 100 is sized andconfigured to have a flow area that is about 10% less than a flow areaof the portion of the conduit 101 upstream of the first restriction 110.In a case where the regulator apparatus 100 comprises more than onerestriction, the flow area for each additional restriction is preferablyreduced by about an additional 10%. Thus, for example, in a regulatorapparatus 100 having two or more restrictions positioned in series (asillustrated in FIG. 1A), the first restriction 110 has a flow area thatis about 10% less than the flow area of the conduit upstream of thefirst restriction 110, and the second restriction 1100 has a flow areathat is about 20% less than the flow area of the conduit upstream of thefirst restriction 110. In such a case, each restriction with arestriction preceding it should be positioned a distance from thatpreceding restriction of about 5 to 10 times greater than the insidediameter of the throat portion of the preceding restriction. Forexample, if the apparatus has two restrictions, the second restriction1100 is positioned a distance that is about 5 to 10 times larger thanthe inside diameter of the throat portion of the first restriction 110.In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, theregulator apparatus 100 is disposed downhole and has an overall averagediameter in the range of about 3.75 to about 5.62 inches. In oneexample, the regulator apparatus 100 has a length of about 20 feet.

The one or more return paths (such as the first return path 120) caninclude a pathway defined at least partially by a wall of the conduit101 (such as the outer wall 132) of the regulator apparatus 100, anexternally mounted capillary tube or piping conduit, or another device.In one example, each of the one or more return paths includes one ormore openings formed in the conduit 101 of the regulator apparatus 100.

The regulator apparatus 100 includes a gas siphon port 138 formed in theouter wall 132 of the conduit 101, and a gas siphon path 139 thatextends from the conduit 101. The gas siphon path 139 is fluidlyconnected to the primary flow path 133 of the conduit through the gassiphon port 138. The gas siphon path 139 includes one or more valves140. The one or more valves 140 are disposed in the gas siphon port 138.The one or more valves may 140 include one or more of a check valve, abalanced check valve, a swing check valve, and/or combinations thereof.The gas siphon port 138 and the one or more valves 140 positionedtherein interface with the primary flow path 133. The gas siphon port138 is positioned downstream of the return inlet 121 of the first returnpath 120. The one or more valves 140 are movable between an openposition and a closed position. In the open position a gas portion ofthe fluid stream 134 flows out of the primary flow path 133, through theone or more valves 140, through the gas siphon port 138, and through thegas siphon path 139. In the closed position, gas portions of the fluidstream 134 cannot flow from the primary flow path 133 and out throughthe one or more valves 140.

The gas siphon path 139 is fluidly connected to one or more pieces ofequipment. In one example, the gas siphon path 139 is fluidly connectedto an intake of the pump 190 that is positioned downstream of theconduit 101 and downstream of the subterranean geological formation fromwhich the fluid stream 134 flows. At least part of the gas portion ofthe fluid stream 134 flows through the gas siphon path 139 and into thepump 190. The pump 190 is positioned downhole. In one example, the gassiphon path 139 is fluidly connected to a downhole compressor 191 suchthat at least part of the gas portion of the fluid stream 134 flowsthrough the gas siphon path 139 and into the downhole compressor 191. Inone example, the gas siphon path 139 is fluidly connected to aproduction annulus 192 between production tubing and a casing. In oneexample, the gas siphon path 139 is fluidly connected to one or morepieces of surface equipment 193, such as a pump jack. In one embodiment,which can be combined with other embodiments, the gas siphon path 139bypasses the downhole pump 190.

In one example, the gas siphon path 139 includes a path defined by acasing in a wellbore, such as a path between the regulator apparatus 100and a casing disposed in a wellbore. In one example, the gas siphon path139 includes flow equipment such as tubing, piping, and/or flowconduits.

The gas siphon path 139, gas siphon port 138, and the one or more valves140 facilitate reducing buildup of gas, and/or formation of gas pockets,from the fluid stream 134 near the return inlet 121 of the first returnpath 120.

The regulator apparatus 100 includes a diverter 141 disposed in theprimary flow path 133 of the conduit 101. The conduit includes acenterline axis 142. The diverter 141 is positioned upstream of thereturn inlet 121 of the first return path 120. In one example, thediverter 141 is positioned downstream of the diverging portion 136 ofthe first restriction 110. In one example, the diverter 141 ispositioned within the first restriction 110, such as within thediverging portion 136. In one example, the return inlet 121 ispositioned within the first restriction 110, such as within thediverging portion 136, and the diverter 141 is positioned upstream ofthe return inlet 121.

The diverter 141 is conical in shape. The diverter 141 may be verticallyaligned with the return inlet 121 and/or positioned at least partiallydownstream of the return inlet 121. In one example, the diverter 141 isfrustoconical in shape. The diverter includes an apex 153. The apex 153may be flat, round, or pointed. The apex 153 points in an upstreamdirection D₁ from the return inlet 121 towards the return outlet 122 ofthe first return path 120. The diverter 141 includes one or more flowopenings 143 formed in an outer surface 144 of the diverter 141. In oneembodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the diverter141 is coupled to an inner surface of the conduit 101.

The diverter 141 directs at least a portion of the fluid stream 134radially outward relative to the centerline axis 142 of the conduit 101,such as in a direction towards the outer wall 132 of the conduit. Atleast a portion of the fluid stream 134 flows around the outer surface144 of the diverter 141 and through the one or more flow openings 143.The diverter 141 facilitates mixing at or near the throat portion 111 byfacilitating the flow of a gas portion of the fluid stream 134 into thereturn inlet 121 and the return outlet 122 of the first return path 120.Hence, the diverter 141 facilitates reducing the gas volume fraction ofthe fluid stream 134 after it flows out of the regulator apparatus 100.The diverter 141 facilitates mixing by directing radially outwardportion(s) of the fluid stream 134, such as a gas portion, that tends toflow near the centerline axis 142 of the conduit 101.

FIG. 1B illustrates an enlarged schematic view of a portion of theregulator apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A, according to onimplementation. The return outlet 122 of the first return path 120includes one or more ports 122A-122D (four are shown) formed through thefirst restriction 110. The one or more ports 122A-122D fluidly connectthe return channel 137 to the throat portion 111. The centerline axis142 of the conduit 101 defines a first reference plane 146 that projectsradially outward from the centerline axis 142. The one or more ports122A-122D are disposed at a first angle A₁ relative to the firstreference plane 146. The one or more ports 122A-122D are disposed at thefirst angle A₁ relative to the first reference plane 146 of the conduit101 such that a centerline axis 148 of each of the one or more ports122A-122D intersects the first reference plane 146 to form the firstangle A₁. In one embodiment, which can be combined with otherembodiments, the first angle A₁ is within a range of 0 degrees to 10degrees. In such an embodiment, the centerline axis 148 of each of theports 122A-122D is perpendicular to the centerline axis 142 of theconduit 101 to facilitate spinning fluid around the centerline axis 142of the conduit as the fluid is introduced at or near the throat portion111 of the first restriction 110 from the return outlet 122 of the firstreturn path 120 and into the primary flow path 133. In one example, thefirst angle A₁ is about 0 degrees and the centerline axis 148 is withinthe first reference plane 146. In one embodiment, which can be combinedwith other embodiments, the first angle A₁ is within a range of 30degrees to 80 degrees, such as 30 degrees to 60 degrees. The first angleA₁ facilitates mixing fluid (such as a gas portion of the fluid stream134) from the first return path 120 with the fluid stream 134 flowingthrough the conduit 101.

FIG. 1C illustrates an enlarged schematic view of a portion of theregulator apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A, according to oneimplementation. The regulator apparatus 100 includes the gas siphon port138 formed in the outer wall 132 of the conduit 101. The one or morevalves 140 are disposed in the gas siphon port 138. The one or morevalves 140 and the gas siphon port 138 are disposed downstream from thereturn inlet 121 of the first return path 120.

The regulator apparatus 100 includes a gas siphon port 151 formed in theouter wall 132 of the conduit 101 and positioned radially outside of thereturn channel 137. The gas siphon path 139 is fluidly connected to thegas siphon port 151 positioned outside of the return channel 137. Thegas siphon path 139 is fluidly connected to the return channel 137 ofthe conduit through the gas siphon port 151. The gas siphon path 151includes one or more valves 157. The one or more valves 157 are disposedin the gas siphon port 151. The one or more valves may 157 include oneor more of a check valve, a balanced check valve, a swing check valve,and/or combinations thereof. The gas siphon port 151 and the one or morevalves 157 disposed therein interface with the return channel 137. Thegas siphon port 151 is positioned downstream of the return inlet 121 ofthe first return path 120. The gas siphon port 151 may be positionedupstream of the return inlet 121 of the first return path 120. The oneor more valves 157 are movable between an open position and a closedposition. In the open position a gas portion of a fluid stream in thereturn channel 137 flows out of the return channel 137, through the oneor more valves 157, through the gas siphon port 151, and through the gassiphon path 139. In the closed position, gas portions of the fluidstream in the return channel 137 cannot flow from the return channel andout through the one or more valves 157.

The gas siphon path 139, gas siphon port 151, and the one or more valves157 facilitate reducing buildup of gas, and/or formation of gas pockets,from the fluid stream 134 near the return inlet 121 of the first returnpath 120.

The return inlet 121 includes one or more ports 121A-121D (four areshown). The centerline axis 142 of the conduit 101 defines a secondreference plane 150 that projects radially outward from the centerlineaxis 142. The one or more ports 121A-121D are disposed at a second angleA₂ relative to the second reference plane 150. The one or more ports121A-121D are disposed at the second angle A₂ relative to the secondreference plane 150 of the conduit 101 such that a centerline axis 152of each of the one or more ports 121A-121D intersects the secondreference plane 150 to form the second angle A₂. In one embodiment,which can be combined with other embodiments, the second angle A₂ iswithin a range of 30 degrees to 80 degrees. In one example, the secondangle A₂ is within a range of 50 degrees to 80 degrees.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the oneor more ports 122A-122D of the return outlet 122 angle radially outwardsrelative to the centerline axis 142 in a downstream direction D₂ fromthe return outlet 122 to the return inlet 121 (as illustrated in FIG.1B). In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments,the one or more ports 121A-121D of the return inlet 121 angle radiallyinwards relative to the centerline axis 142 in the downstream directionD₂ from the return outlet 122 to the return inlet 121 (as illustrated inFIG. 1C).

FIG. 1D illustrates a schematic cross sectional view, taken along thefirst reference plane 146, of the regulator apparatus 100 illustrated inFIG. 1B, according to one implementation. Instead of the ports122A-122D, the return inlet 122 includes one or more ports 122E-122H.The ports 122E-122H are similar to the ports 122A-122D and may includeone or more of the aspects, features, components, and/or propertiesthereof. Each of the ports 122E-122H is disposed tangentially to thecenterline axis 142 of the conduit 101 in the first reference plane 146.Each of the ports 122E-122H intersects the throat portion 111tangentially to the centerline axis 142 in the first reference plane146. A centerline axis of each port 122E-122H is disposed tangentiallyto the centerline axis 142 of the conduit 101 such that the centerlineaxis of each port 122E-122H does not intersect the centerline axis 142of the conduit 101. The tangential configuration of the ports 122E-122Hfacilitates spinning fluid around the centerline axis 142 of the conduitas the fluid is introduced at or near the throat portion 111 of thefirst restriction 110 from the return outlet 122 of the first returnpath 120 and into the primary flow path 133.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the port 122B,taken along section 2-2, illustrated in FIG. 1B. The present disclosurecontemplates that each of the one or more ports 122A-122D of the returnoutlet 122 may include one or more of the aspects, features, components,and/or properties described for the port 122B. The port 122B comprisesone or more return path restrictions 290 disposed in the port 122B. Thereturn path restriction 290 is circular and occupies at least part ofthe port 122B, such as the center of the port 122B. Each of the one ormore return path restrictions 290 includes one or more projections (suchas lobes or fins) that extend from the one or more return pathrestrictions 290. The return path restriction 290 includes one or moreprojections 291 (four are shown) that extend radially from the one ormore return path restrictions 290. The projections 291 interface with aninner surface 180 of the port 122B. Each of the one or more projections291 couples to the return path restriction 290 at a first end andcouples to the inner surface 180 at a second end.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a system 200 for regulating amulti-phase fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geologicalformation, according to one implementation. The system 200 includes theregulator apparatus 100 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1Cand FIG. 2 . The regulator apparatus 100 is fluidly connected to thepump 190 described above. The pump 190 is positioned downstream from theregulator apparatus 100.

The system 200 includes a first phase separator 220 fluidly connected tothe regulator apparatus 100 and positioned downstream of the regulatorapparatus 100 and upstream of the pump 190. The first phase separator220 is fluidly connected via a threaded connection to the pump 190 andthe regulator apparatus 100, and is positioned between the pump 190 andthe regulator apparatus 100. The first phase separator 220 is sized andconfigured to separate at least a portion of a gas from the fluid stream134. For example, the first phase separator 220 can be a gravity typeseparating device configured to force fluid out of the separating deviceto permit lighter fluids (e.g., gas) to travel to the surface. The firstphase separator 220 may be a reverse flow gas separator. In one example,the first phase separator 220 has a diameter that is as large as can beaccommodated by the well casing to permit adequate spacing and flowpassage, which promotes annular gravity separation as the fluid streamflows from inside to the outside of the first phase separator 220through one or more angled flow ports 221 in the body of the first phaseseparator 220. The one or more angled flow ports 221 are positioned atabout a 45 degree angle, relative to an axial centerline of the firstphase separator 220. The first phase separator 220 can include one ormore fluid intake paths (e.g., tubing or piping conduits) to the pump210.

The first phase separator 220 can include one or more lips located onthe exterior body of the first phase separator. The one or more lips arepositioned at an upward angle relative to the axial centerline of thefirst phase separator 220 to create a more torturous path for the fluidstream 134 flowing through the first phase separator 220, as well as amore conducive environment for gravity separation of a portion of thegas from the fluid stream. In one example, the one or more lips have anupward angle of about 60 degrees relative to the axial centerline of thefirst phase separator 220. Suitable types of separators that can beemployed as the first phase separator 220 include without limitation aninverted Y-tool.

The system 200 includes a second phase separator 230 fluidly connectedto the regulator apparatus 100, and positioned upstream of the firstrestriction 110 of the regulator apparatus 100. The second phaseseparator 230 is sized and configured to separate at least a portion ofsolid materials from the fluid stream 134. Suitable types of separatorsthat can be employed as the second phase separator 230 include withoutlimitation a sand separator. The system 200 includes additional downholeequipment, piping, and tubing such as cup packers 241 and/orcentralizers. The system 200 includes a cup packer assembly 240 havingtwo cup packers (such as cup packer 241) and a centralizer.

The cup packer assembly 240 is fluidly connected to the regulatorapparatus 100, and positioned upstream from the regulator apparatus 100.Upstream of the cup packer assembly 240, the system 200 includes thesecond phase separator 230 fluidly connected to the cup packer assembly240 (e.g., by threaded attachment). The second phase separator 230 isfluidly connected to a predetermined length of production tubing orpiping, which is capped on the end. The function of the productiontubing or piping is to collect the solid materials separated from thefluid stream 134 by the second phase separator 230 (e.g., sand or othersolid materials) by the centrifugal actions of the operation of thesecond phase separator 230. The collection is accomplished via thegravity effect of the solid materials while suspended in the wellborefluid solutions. The second phase separator 230 includes a fluid intake276.

The present disclosure contemplates a method of using the apparatus orsystems described above. In operation, a regulator apparatus 100 asdescribed above, or a system 200 having a regulator apparatus 100 asdescribed above, is placed within a wellbore conduit defined by awellbore. The fluid stream 134 from a subterranean geological formationflows into and through the regulator apparatus 100 or system 200. As thefluid stream 134 flows through the regulator apparatus 100 or system200, the gas volume fraction of the fluid stream 134 is reduced to alevel such that the pump 190 can accommodate the fluid stream 134 with areduced or eliminated probability of experiencing gas lock. The pumppasses the fluid stream 134 towards the ground surface. For example, ifthe gas volume fraction of the fluid stream is about 0.9 as it entersthe regulator apparatus 100 or system 200, then after flowing throughthe regulator apparatus 100 or system the gas volume fraction of thefluid stream is reduced to less than about 0.4, such as less than about0.3. The gas volume fraction of the fluid stream 134 flowing from theregulator apparatus 100 or system 200 is reduced to an amount thatprevents or reduces the likelihood of a pump positioned downstream fromthe regulator apparatus 100 experiencing gas locking.

The aspects of the regulator apparatus 100 facilitate mixing of fluidflowing through the first return path 120 with the fluid stream 134flowing through the first restriction 110. The aspects of the regulatorapparatus 100 facilitate reducing a gas volume fraction of the fluidstream 134 without drawing power from a source, such as the pump 190.Hence, the pump 190 can operate without parasitic drag from theregulator apparatus 100.

Benefits of the present disclosure include facilitating reducing a gasvolume fraction of an oil and gas fluid stream flowing from asubterranean formation; reducing buildup of gas and/or formation of gaspockets in production equipment; reducing or eliminating the probabilityof gas lock of equipment, such as one or more pumps; and achieving suchbenefits without parasitic drag on one or more pumps.

Aspects of the present disclosure include a regulator apparatus forregulating a multi-phase fluid stream flowing from a subterraneangeological formation; a gas siphon port; a gas siphon path; one or morevalves; a diverter that directs at least a portion of a fluid streamradially outward; a return outlet of a return path having one or moreports disposed at a first angle relative to a first reference plane; areturn inlet of a return path having one or more ports disposed at asecond angle relative to a second reference plane; one or more returnpath restrictions; a return outlet that angles radially outwards in adownstream direction; and a return inlet that angles radially inwards ina downstream direction. It is contemplated that one or more of theseaspects disclosed herein may be combined. Moreover, it is contemplatedthat one or more of these aspects may include some or all of theaforementioned benefits.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the precedingembodiments are exemplary and not limiting. It is intended that allmodifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvementsthereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading ofthe specification and a study of the drawings are included within thescope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended that the followingappended claims may include all such modifications, permutations,enhancements, equivalents, and improvements. The present disclosure alsocontemplates that one or more aspects of the embodiments describedherein may be substituted in for one or more of the other aspectsdescribed. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims thatfollow.

We claim:
 1. A method of regulating a fluid stream flowing from asubterranean geological formation, comprising: flowing the fluid streaminto an apparatus positioned within a wellbore and along a primary flowpath; siphoning at least part of the fluid stream from the primary flowpath and through one or more valves positioned in a gas siphon port;flowing the fluid stream through a first restriction having a throatportion; flowing a portion of the fluid stream into a first return path;returning the portion of the fluid stream through the first restrictionand into the throat portion to mix the portion with portions of thefluid stream flowing through the throat portion along the primary flowpath; and flowing the fluid stream toward a pump.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein the pump is positioned downstream of a return inlet of thefirst return path along the primary flow path.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the fluid stream flows into the apparatus at a first gas volumefraction, and the fluid stream flows toward the pump at a second gasvolume fraction that is that less than the first gas volume fraction. 4.The method of claim 3, wherein the first gas volume fraction is greaterthan 0.4 and the second gas volume fraction is 0.4 or less.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising siphoning at least part of theportion of the fluid stream from the first return path and through oneor more additional valves positioned in an additional gas siphon port.6. The method of claim 1, wherein the returning of the portion of thefluid stream through the first restriction and into the throat portioncomprises: flowing the portion of the fluid stream through one or moreports disposed within the first restriction and tangentially to acenterline axis of the primary flow path.
 7. The method of claim 1,further comprising: flowing the fluid stream at least partially about adiverter positioned in the primary flow path.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the flowing the fluid stream at least partially about thediverter comprises flowing the fluid stream about an apex of thediverter that points in an upstream direction from a return inlet of thefirst return path to a return outlet of the first return path.
 9. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising: flowing the fluid stream throughone or more flow openings formed in the diverter.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the flowing of the fluid stream at least partiallyabout the diverter and through the one or more flow openings formed inthe diverter is conducted prior to the flowing of the portion of thefluid stream into the first return path.
 11. The method of claim 7,wherein the apparatus comprises a conduit, and the conduit comprises thefirst restriction.
 12. A method of regulating a fluid stream flowingfrom a subterranean geological formation, comprising: flowing the fluidstream into an apparatus positioned within a wellbore and along aprimary flow path, the primary flow path having a centerline axis thatdefines a first reference plane that projects radially from thecenterline axis; flowing the fluid stream through a first restrictionhaving a throat portion; flowing a portion of the fluid stream into areturn inlet of a first return path; returning the portion of the fluidstream through the return inlet, through the first return path, througha return outlet of the first return path, and through the firstrestriction and into the throat portion to mix the portion with portionsof the fluid stream flowing through the throat portion along the primaryflow path, wherein the portion of the fluid stream is returned throughone or more ports of the return outlet at a first angle relative to thefirst reference plane; siphoning at least part of the fluid stream fromthe primary flow path or at least part of the portion of the fluidstream from the first return path and through one or more valvespositioned in a gas siphon port; and flowing the fluid stream toward apump.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first angle is within arange of 30 degrees to 80 degrees.
 14. The method of claim 12, whereinthe first angle is within a range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees, and theportion of the fluid stream is returned through the one or more portstangentially to the centerline axis of the primary flow path.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the portion of the fluid stream is returnedthrough one or more ports of the return inlet at a second angle relativeto a second reference plane that projects radially from the centerlineaxis of the primary flow path.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein theportion of the fluid stream returned through the one or more ports ofthe return outlet is returned radially inwards in an upstream directionfrom the return inlet to the return outlet, and the portion of the fluidstream returned through the one or more ports of the return inlet isreturned radially outwards in the upstream direction.
 17. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the portion of the fluid stream returned through theone or more ports of the return outlet flows about one or more returnpath restrictions positioned in the one or more ports of the returnoutlet.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the apparatus comprises aconduit, and the conduit comprises the first restriction.
 19. Anapparatus for regulating a fluid stream flowing from a subterraneangeological formation, comprising: a conduit, the conduit comprising anouter wall, a primary flow path for the fluid stream, and a firstrestriction having a throat portion; a first return path comprising: areturn inlet, a return outlet positioned upstream of the return inletand disposed within the first restriction at the throat portion, and areturn channel, the return channel being fluidly connected to theprimary flow path through the return inlet and the return outlet; and agas siphon port formed in the outer wall of the conduit, the gas siphonport including a valve movable between an open position and a closedposition, wherein in the open position a portion of the fluid streamflows out through a gas siphon path extending from the conduit, the gassiphon path being fluidly connected to the gas siphon port.
 20. A methodof regulating a fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geologicalformation, comprising: flowing the fluid stream into an apparatuspositioned within a wellbore and along a primary flow path; flowing thefluid stream through a first restriction having a throat portion;flowing a portion of the fluid stream into a first return path;returning the portion of the fluid stream through the first restrictionand into the throat portion to mix the portion with portions of thefluid stream flowing through the throat portion along the primary flowpath; siphoning at least part of the portion of the fluid stream fromthe first return path and through one or more valves positioned in a gassiphon port; and flowing the fluid stream toward a pump.
 21. A method ofregulating a fluid stream flowing from a subterranean geologicalformation, comprising: flowing the fluid stream into an apparatuspositioned within a wellbore and along a primary flow path; flowing thefluid stream at least partially about a diverter positioned in theprimary flow path, wherein the flowing the fluid stream at leastpartially about the diverter comprises flowing the fluid stream about anapex of the diverter that points in an upstream direction from a returninlet of the first return path to a return outlet of the first returnpath; flowing the fluid stream through a first restriction having athroat portion; flowing a portion of the fluid stream into a firstreturn path; returning the portion of the fluid stream through the firstrestriction and into the throat portion to mix the portion with portionsof the fluid stream flowing through the throat portion along the primaryflow path; and flowing the fluid stream toward a pump.